September 21–23, 2005

ITEM 128-1004-R0905  Authorization to Confer the Title of Associate Professor Emeritus of Library Science upon Christopher G. Mullin; The University of Montana-Missoula

THAT: Christopher G. Mullin, Associate Professor of Library Services and Head of Special Collections, in his 36 years of dedicated service to The University of Montana and to the State of Montana, has merited the commendation of the Board of Regents of the Montana University System, and has earned the title of Associate Professor Emeritus.

EXPLANATION: Associate Professor Mullin earned his B.A. degree in History (1968) and his M.A. in Librarianship (1969) from the University of Washington. He joined the faculty of Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library in the fall of 1969.

During his years of service at the Mansfield Library, Associate Professor Mullin committed himself to providing exceptional reference service and instruction to students and scholars. His successful efforts to add depth and breadth to the University's special collections will serve as a living legacy to current and future library users, for his collection development activities have secured unique holdings that have come to define The University of Montana Libraries. As the individual responsible for undertaking the digitization of rare Montana publications, Professor Mullin's initiative has enabled students and citizens to have unfettered electronic access to historical publications owned by only a few libraries in Montana and the nation. His foresight in undertaking the state's first significant digital project set the standard for other libraries in Montana to emulate.

Associate Professor Mullin's University service remains broad as well as deep, and he served on a number of meaningful Library, Faculty Senate, and University committees. His involvement in advising and his work with the Montana Library Association has been substantial. His interaction with the State Library of Montana led to a successful grant opportunity for Mansfield Library. His efforts with alumni of the University and friends of the Library have secured several rare and expensive books for Special Collections

For these accomplishments, and for his truly remarkable commitment to providing students and scholars at The University of Montana with skills sets, knowledge and research materials that they need, the faculty of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library recommended without equivocation the commendation of the Board of Regents and the title of Associate Professor of Library Services Emeritus for Christopher G. Mullin.